Mortimer Primary School, located in South Shields, Tyne and Wear, was inspected on January 30 and 31, 2024. The overall effectiveness of the school was rated as good, maintaining a high standard of education across various aspects. The quality of education, behavior and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision were all rated as good. The school was previously inspected in December 2012, where it received an outstanding rating. This recent inspection reflects the changes and developments that have occurred since the last graded inspection.
The school environment is described as calm and purposeful, with a strong emphasis on respect among pupils. Older students actively support younger ones, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. The school’s motto, excellence for all, is evident in the way pupils engage with their learning and each other. Safety is a priority, with pupils expressing trust in the adults responsible for their well-being. The school effectively prepares students for their transition to secondary education, with a strong focus on career education.
Pupils demonstrate excellent behavior in lessons, adhering to the high expectations set by staff. They understand the importance of hard work and consistently achieve well. While behavior during break times is generally good, there are instances of less restraint during lunchtime. However, bullying is rare, and any issues are promptly addressed by teachers. The school promotes self-confidence and belief in pupils, which contributes to their overall success.
The curriculum is well-structured in most subjects, linking essential knowledge to key concepts. For instance, in geography, pupils connect their learning to both human and physical geography. The school breaks down learning into manageable steps, allowing pupils to build their knowledge progressively. Regular revisiting of previous learning helps pupils retain and apply what they have learned. However, in a few subjects, the essential knowledge is not clearly identified, which can hinder pupils' ability to connect and remember their learning.
Assessment practices are effective, with the school using information to adjust teaching as needed. Extra support is provided for pupils at risk of falling behind, and the quality of work in books is generally high, particularly in English and mathematics. The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with daily phonics lessons that are consistently effective. Pupils make rapid progress in reading, and older students can articulate their favorite authors and reasons for their preferences.
The school adapts its teaching to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Individual support plans are in place, ensuring that these pupils receive the necessary assistance to achieve their potential. The school also promotes extracurricular activities, offering various clubs and opportunities for pupils to engage in sports and the arts. Community involvement is encouraged through events and fundraising activities.
Recent initiatives have been implemented to improve teaching practices and communication with parents. Governors play an active role in supporting and challenging the school, ensuring high-quality education for all pupils. Staff morale is high, with positive feedback regarding the support they receive.
The safeguarding arrangements at Mortimer Primary School are effective, ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils. However, the school is encouraged to enhance the structure of a few foundation subjects to ensure that all areas of the curriculum are equally well mapped out. This will help pupils retain knowledge over time and make connections between new and previous learning. Consistency in recording pupils' work across subjects is also recommended to aid reflection and memory. Overall, Mortimer Primary School demonstrates a commitment to providing a high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for its pupils.
